Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 vs Presonus 22VSL - Opinions

cdhgamer · 20th January 2012

I'm trying to decide between the two given the criteria of:
Good Preamps
$200-350
USB
Bus Powered
2 in, 2 out (more is fine though)

Any opinions on which is better?

flybeereligion · 20th January 2012

I haven't used either of those units, BUT, I do have a Focusrite 8i6 and a Presonus Bluetube. The preamps in the 8i6 are a lot more full sounding than the Bluetube, which sounds somewhat tinny to my ears in solid state mode. I have no idea if their interfaces use ssimilar pre's or not, but I would assume so?

cdhgamer · 20th January 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by flybeereligion

I haven't used either of those units, BUT, I do have a Focusrite 8i6 and a Presonus Bluetube. The preamps in the 8i6 are a lot more full sounding than the Bluetube, which sounds somewhat tinny to my ears in solid state mode. I have no idea if their interfaces use ssimilar pre's or not, but I would assume so?

The 8i6 should be using the same Pres since it's in the same line as the Scarlett 2i2, and the Presonus Bluetube seems to be using the same "Class A XMAX" Pres. I was leaning towards the Presonus 22VSL but hearing that the Pres don't have quite as full a sound is a bit disconcerting, thanks for your input!

mbrice09 · 20th January 2012

i have the 2i2 and use it to Mix peoples tracks and record rap vocalist and it sounds great to me, the preamps are very warm which is really hard to find with cheaper interfaces. i love the fact that the monitor knob is in the front and is huge really makes it easy to turn the volume up and down on my monitors without having to actually touch the monitors.. i haven't tried recording instruments threw it yet but as for vocals they come out very nice.

flybeereligion · 21st January 2012

I'm happy to knock up some quick comparison clips between my Bluetube (in solid-state mode) and the Focusrite, if you'd like?

cdhgamer · 21st January 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by flybeereligion

I'm happy to knock up some quick comparison clips between my Bluetube (in solid-state mode) and the Focusrite, if you'd like?

I'd definitely appreciate it if you wouldn't mind.

flybeereligion · 22nd January 2012

Here you go! Some acoustic plus vocals then some death metal guitar, the first version of each is the 8i6 and the second the Bluetube, in solid state mode.

The acoustic and vocals were recorded with Studio Projects B1's, guitar first with both mic's tracking at the same time (and right next to each other) and then vocals, again both at the same time and with the mic's right next to each other. The electric guitar was done with a SansAmp GT2 run through a splitter pedal to track both inputs at the same time, so in both cases the source should be identical.

I used no hardware or plugins to manipulate the sound in any way- no compression, EQ or anything else, totally vanilla!

8i6 vs Bluetube solidstate - YouTube

One last thing, please keep in mind that I am a simple rock n roll bassist who likes to dabble in recording.. I do not play guitar or sing, so both are pretty bad in these demo's! Also the acoustic guitar was just my girlfriends junior sized cheapo Yamaha, so it was never going to sound full or big!

cdhgamer · 22nd January 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by flybeereligion

Here you go! Some acoustic plus vocals then some death metal guitar, the first version of each is the 8i6 and the second the Bluetube, in solid state mode.

The acoustic and vocals were recorded with Studio Projects B1's, guitar first with both mic's tracking at the same time (and right next to each other) and then vocals, again both at the same time and with the mic's right next to each other. The electric guitar was done with a SansAmp GT2 run through a splitter pedal to track both inputs at the same time, so in both cases the source should be identical.

I used no hardware or plugins to manipulate the sound in any way- no compression, EQ or anything else, totally vanilla!

8i6 vs Bluetube solidstate - YouTube

One last thing, please keep in mind that I am a simple rock n roll bassist who likes to dabble in recording.. I do not play guitar or sing, so both are pretty bad in these demo's! Also the acoustic guitar was just my girlfriends junior sized cheapo Yamaha, so it was never going to sound full or big!

Thanks, I could definitely tell how they were different. Going with the 2i2.

20th January 2012	#1
cdhgamer Gear interested Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 23 Thread Starter	Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 vs Presonus 22VSL - Opinions I'm trying to decide between the two given the criteria of: Good Preamps $200-350 USB Bus Powered 2 in, 2 out (more is fine though) Any opinions on which is better?

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20th January 2012	#2
flybeereligion Gear nut Joined: Jul 2011 Location: Paradise City Posts: 84	I haven't used either of those units, BUT, I do have a Focusrite 8i6 and a Presonus Bluetube. The preamps in the 8i6 are a lot more full sounding than the Bluetube, which sounds somewhat tinny to my ears in solid state mode. I have no idea if their interfaces use ssimilar pre's or not, but I would assume so?

20th January 2012	#4
mbrice09 Gear nut Joined: Jan 2012 Posts: 82	i have the 2i2 and use it to Mix peoples tracks and record rap vocalist and it sounds great to me, the preamps are very warm which is really hard to find with cheaper interfaces. i love the fact that the monitor knob is in the front and is huge really makes it easy to turn the volume up and down on my monitors without having to actually touch the monitors.. i haven't tried recording instruments threw it yet but as for vocals they come out very nice.

21st January 2012	#5
flybeereligion Gear nut Joined: Jul 2011 Location: Paradise City Posts: 84	I'm happy to knock up some quick comparison clips between my Bluetube (in solid-state mode) and the Focusrite, if you'd like?

22nd January 2012	#7
flybeereligion Gear nut Joined: Jul 2011 Location: Paradise City Posts: 84	Here you go! Some acoustic plus vocals then some death metal guitar, the first version of each is the 8i6 and the second the Bluetube, in solid state mode. The acoustic and vocals were recorded with Studio Projects B1's, guitar first with both mic's tracking at the same time (and right next to each other) and then vocals, again both at the same time and with the mic's right next to each other. The electric guitar was done with a SansAmp GT2 run through a splitter pedal to track both inputs at the same time, so in both cases the source should be identical. I used no hardware or plugins to manipulate the sound in any way- no compression, EQ or anything else, totally vanilla! 8i6 vs Bluetube solidstate - YouTube One last thing, please keep in mind that I am a simple rock n roll bassist who likes to dabble in recording.. I do not play guitar or sing, so both are pretty bad in these demo's! Also the acoustic guitar was just my girlfriends junior sized cheapo Yamaha, so it was never going to sound full or big!